Postdoctoral Research Position, Caltech High Energy Astrophysics (Observations)

Postdoctoral Research Position, Caltech High Energy Astrophysics (Observations)

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research position at the California Institute of Technology to work with Dr. Javier Garcia and Prof. Fiona Harrison on X-ray reflection spectroscopy of supermassive black holes. The core project targets the analysis of archival data for a sample of Seyfert AGN taken with the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) high energy X-ray telescope (http://www.nustar.caltech.edu), and with the XMM-Newton observatory, using the state-of-the-art relativistic reflection model RELXILL. The main goals of this project are the detailed study of accretion disks in AGN, exploring high-density effects, iron abundance, and the origin of the soft-excess. Successful applicants will also have access through a competitive proposal process to the Palomar and Keck Observatories.

The initial appointment will be for two years with the possibility of renewal for a third year based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding. The expected starting date is September 1, 2021, but the exact date is negotiable. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Physics or Astronomy by the date of appointment.

Applicants should send a CV; a brief research statement outlining their knowledge and experience; a cover letter stating their motivation for engaging in this project; and three reference letters to be sent directly to [email protected]. Applications received by February 21, 2021 will receive full consideration, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants.